California State University Sacramento Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
California State University Sacramento BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN in Sacramento. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Sacramento State’s School of Nursing sits in California’s capital with strong clinical partnerships across the region. If you want a CSU-value BSN through DNP education with access to UC Davis Health, Sutter, and other Sacramento-area hospitals, Sacramento State deserves a close look—and admission is competitive, so prepare early.
Overview & Why Students Choose Sacramento State
Located in Sacramento, California’s capital and a major healthcare and government hub, California State University Sacramento (Sacramento State) gives nursing students access to UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente, and community health settings across the region.
Whether you are a first-time college student, a second-degree seeker, or an RN advancing with an MSN or DNP, the School of Nursing offers BSN through DNP pathways, all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates and cohort sizes, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates and the Sacramento State School of Nursing website.
Five reasons students choose Sacramento State
📈 Strong NCLEX Track Record
Sacramento State has reported strong BSN NCLEX performance. Confirm the latest rates with the California BRN and the school.
🏥 Capital Region Clinicals
Clinical rotations at UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Health hospitals, Dignity Health facilities, and other Sacramento-area sites.
🎓 BSN Through DNP
Traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP pathways in one CSU campus, with CCNE accreditation.
💵 CSU Value
Public university tuition and fees; in-state undergraduates pay a fraction of private school costs. Financial aid and scholarships available.
🌉 Sacramento Location
State capital and growing healthcare market with diverse patient populations and employment opportunities.
Nursing Programs Offered
Sacramento State’s School of Nursing offers pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral-level study. All programs are CCNE-accredited.
Traditional BSN (Pre-Licensure)
Full-time, cohort-based. Prerequisites followed by upper-division nursing coursework with clinicals and simulation. On-campus. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. Approximately 74–80 students enrolled per semester.
RN to BSN
For licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma. Program can be completed in about 12 months. Designed for working nurses. CCNE-accredited.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced practice and leadership tracks. Format (online/hybrid/on-campus) and concentrations are set by the school; confirm current options on the official MSN page.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Terminal practice degree for advanced practice nurses. Requirements and format (e.g., post-MSN) are set by the School of Nursing; verify on the official DNP page.
Concentrations, delivery mode, and application cycles for MSN and DNP may change. Always confirm current program structure, deadlines, and requirements on the Sacramento State School of Nursing website.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Sacramento State’s pre-licensure BSN program are reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Rates and cohort sizes vary by academic year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | See latest BRN report (by academic year) |
| Job Placement (BSN) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | California BRN NCLEX Pass Rates |
Do not rely on a single percentage without checking the current academic year. Confirm the latest NCLEX statistics with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the Sacramento State School of Nursing before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Sacramento State admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa type, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with Sacramento State and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Sacramento State requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how the university wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Cross‑check everything with Sacramento State’s International Admissions or Global Education office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Sacramento State’s nursing program is impacted and highly competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The School of Nursing uses a point-based selection system and has a separate application process from general university admission.
- Admission to Sacramento State as a pre-nursing or eligible major
- Completion of prerequisite courses with required grades
- TEAS score submitted by deadline
- Point-based selection; criteria and minimums set by the School of Nursing
Application timeline
Fall and spring cohorts; application windows and deadlines are set by the School of Nursing. Confirm current dates on the official Sacramento State School of Nursing website.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed (impacted program; ~74–80 enrolled per semester) |
| Typical Admitted GPA (reported cohort) | High (e.g. adjusted GPA ~3.99 for recent cohorts); minimum set by school |
| TEAS Required | Yes |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Selection is point-based; strong prerequisite grades and TEAS scores matter. Prepare thoroughly for the TEAS and complete prerequisites with the best grades possible. Confirm current criteria and deadlines on the School of Nursing website.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Apply to Sacramento State as a pre-nursing or eligible major. Focus on strong grades in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and math. Healthcare volunteer work or shadowing can help confirm your interest before applying to the nursing program.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
Sacramento State does not offer an accelerated BSN (ABSN) in the provided sources; you would follow the traditional BSN path after prerequisites. If you already have an RN license, the RN to BSN or MSN may be a better fit.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
Sacramento State’s RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP pathways are designed for working nurses. Check current GPA and license requirements for RN to BSN and MSN on the school’s website. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals in your materials.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Sacramento State is part of the California State University system, with in-state tuition and fees that are typically lower than private and out-of-state options. Below are approximate figures; confirm current amounts on the university website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (In-State, Annual) | ~$7,392 (estimate; confirm on csus.edu) |
| Out-of-State Undergraduate | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| RN to BSN (12-month program) | ~$9,014 (estimate from available sources; confirm with school) |
| Graduate Tuition | Confirm on Sacramento State Fees |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources. See official Cost of Attendance page. |
Tuition and fees change annually. For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance (including housing and books), visit the official Sacramento State Enrollment Costs & Fees page.
Complete the FAFSA and check Sacramento State’s financial aid and scholarship options. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state/federal aid may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | See California BRN report (rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml) |
| Job Placement (BSN) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about employers hiring Sacramento State nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services page at csus.edu/college/health-human-services/nursing.
Is Sacramento State the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and life circumstances. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Sacramento State and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want CCNE-accredited BSN through DNP education at CSU in-state tuition
- Want clinical access to Sacramento-area hospitals (UC Davis Health, Sutter, Dignity Health)
- Are comfortable with highly competitive, point-based admission
- Are working RNs considering RN to BSN, MSN, or DNP
- Prefer a capital-city campus with strong regional healthcare demand
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Prefer a smaller or less competitive admission pool
- Want a PhD in Nursing (Sacramento State offers BSN–DNP, not PhD)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Sacramento is California’s capital and a major healthcare hub. UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, and Kaiser Permanente all have a strong presence, offering level I trauma, academic medical center, and community hospital settings.
| Facility / System | Details |
|---|---|
| UC Davis Health | Academic medical center; Level I trauma; teaching hospital for UC Davis School of Medicine and nursing. |
| Sutter Health | Multiple Sacramento-area hospitals and medical groups; broad clinical placements. |
| Dignity Health | Hospitals and clinics across the region; diverse patient populations. |
| Kaiser Permanente | Integrated system with hospitals and outpatient care in the Sacramento area. |
Sacramento State nursing students benefit from clinical placements across these systems, gaining experience in acute care, primary care, and community settings. California’s demand for RNs remains strong; the capital region offers many employment options for new graduates.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Sacramento State’s School of Nursing is part of the College of Health & Human Services. Students use simulation labs and complete clinical rotations at partner facilities across the Sacramento region. Campus life includes student organizations, including nursing-related clubs and honor societies; confirm current offerings on the university and School of Nursing websites.
The Sacramento State campus is in the capital city with access to state government, healthcare employers, and community health settings. For details on simulation facilities, student organizations, and support services, visit the School of Nursing and Sacramento State official pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Sacramento, CA
- Address
- 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819, US
- Telephone
- (916) 278-6011
- Contact email
- See School of Nursing website for program contacts
- Website
- www.csus.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Sacramento State School of Nursing website and download the current program information and application materials.
- Review the pre-nursing prerequisite course list and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS exam and confirm current TEAS/admissions requirements on the official nursing admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for a Sacramento State admissions counselor or the School of Nursing advising office.
- Reach out to current Sacramento State nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare application materials (BSN applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target semester and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University Sacramento a good school for nursing?
Sacramento State’s School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and offers BSN through DNP pathways with clinical access to UC Davis Health, Sutter, and other Sacramento-area hospitals. Admission is competitive; confirm current NCLEX and outcomes on the school and California BRN websites.
What GPA do you need for Sacramento State’s nursing program?
Admission is point-based; minimum and typical GPAs are set by the School of Nursing. Recent admitted cohorts have had high average adjusted GPAs. Confirm current criteria on the official Sacramento State nursing admissions page.
Does Sacramento State require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. The traditional BSN program requires the TEAS. Confirm current requirements and deadlines on the School of Nursing admissions page.
How competitive is admission to Sacramento State’s nursing program?
Admission is highly competitive with a point-based selection system and limited seats per semester (~74–80 enrolled). Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Check the school website for current criteria.
Does Sacramento State offer an accelerated BSN?
Sacramento State offers a traditional pre-licensure BSN and an RN to BSN pathway. An accelerated BSN (ABSN) is not offered in the provided sources; confirm current program options on the school website.
What are the clinical placement sites for Sacramento State nursing students?
Students complete clinical rotations at UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente, and other Sacramento-area healthcare facilities. Confirm current sites with the School of Nursing.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Sacramento State?
For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates and cohort data, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates and the Sacramento State School of Nursing website.
References
- Sacramento State School of Nursingcsus.edu/college/health-human-services/nursing
- Sacramento State Admissionscsus.edu/apply/admissions
- Sacramento State Enrollment Costs & Feescsus.edu/apply/enrollment-costs-fees
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- All other data as provided in inputs. Any data marked “Not publicly disclosed” is based on unavailability in the sources reviewed for this guide.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy